Before stepping onto the pitch during the final regular season match against Cal State Bakersfield, Quinn Mahoney wrote seven letters “M, D, M, M, G, S, I, B,” around his wrist on a tightly wound wrap.
The letters represent those closest to the redshirt freshman midfielder: his mom and dad, his sisters Meghan and Molly, his grandparents, his supporters, his injured teammates and his best friends back home.
Mahoney dedicates each game to the people who supported and uplifted him during one of the most difficult periods of his life—a time when his entire soccer career was in jeopardy.
Just before entering his first summer practice with the Cal Poly Men’s Soccer team, Mahoney played in the Elite Clubs National League.
After helping lead his team into the playoffs, he suffered two grave injuries during a playoff match that would keep the incoming freshman sidelined for months.
Possibly early retirement
Medical professionals diagnosed Mahoney with chronic whiplash and a concussion, injuries that could possibly permanently damage the neck and brain, respectively.
The idea of Mahoney having to medically retire had begun to take shape, and the likelihood of it happening appeared to be growing by the minute.
It was ultimately determined that Mahoney would not be forced to retire. However, due to the injuries, he would have to undergo an extended period of rehabilitation that would keep him out for the 2023 season.
Mahoney chose to redshirt his freshman year and forgo any potential chance of playing time that season.
After sitting out the season, Mahoney made his collegiate debut at the beginning of the 2024 regular season.
He would experience a breakthrough in a match against Gonzaga, scoring his first Cal Poly goal, recording his first assist and six shots.
Jump-starting the offense
He started to find his stride and scored in the next two games. Mahoney instantly became the team’s leading scorer.
The Mustangs would go on to record their best season in nearly ten years. In the 2024 regular season, they earned the regular-season crown and the No. 1 seed in the Big West Men’s Soccer Championship—the first time in program history for both.
In addition, the Mustangs notched a nine-game unbeaten record during the regular season, including an unbeaten record at Mustang Memorial Field, the program’s lengthiest unbeaten run since 2007.
The Mustangs, however, suffered defeat in the Big West semifinals, falling to the No. 4 seed UC Davis on penalties Sunday evening at Alex G. Spanos Stadium.
As the season drew to a close, Mahoney collected his first Big West Men’s Soccer Freshman of the Week accolade after bolstering the Mustangs to an unbeaten week of games in October.
Mahoney finished the season as the team leader in both goals (four) and assists (five).
“I think he’s kind of a hybrid of being able to drop in and help us get the ball in the pocket,” Kennedy said. “But he’s also able to score goals and is dangerous on the attacking piece, and I think he’s a great connector for us.”
Mahoney was named the 2024 Big West Freshman of the Year — after helping bolster a Cal Poly offense that, alongside stellar defense, appeared to will the Mustangs to the top spot in the Big West.
“Coming into college, I had my eye on it but unfortunately my freshman season took a turn,” Mahoney said. “I owe it all to the people around me that have supported me through my journey.”
Finding a new ‘why’
Mahoney was introduced to soccer as a child by his immediate family. At just three years old, his family would usher the toddler outside into the backyard to shoot on a goal.
Mahoney and his two sisters would continuously set out to rocket the ball past their parents to score a goal.
The young midfielder continued to play the sport past his formative years and into his childhood in extracurricular clubs. As Mahoney grew, so did his love for the sport, but it came to a screeching halt once the injuries came into play.
Mahoney’s passion for the game he loved was tested. The weight of a possible medical retirement and watching his team play without his help affected his mindset.
“It was one of the hardest times in my life,” Mahoney said. “Not knowing if I was able to play soccer again brought me to tears many times.”
The men’s soccer team played a focal role in helping the Sacramento native return to form.
Despite being unproven at the collegiate level, the Mustangs were quick to accept Mahoney as one of their own, which bolstered his confidence as he recovered from injury.
“My team had no idea if I was going to be good or not but every player showed me respect,” Mahoney said. “They all checked up on me and that made me feel connected to the team. I felt like I found another family away from home.”
Through reflection, the redshirt freshman found the motivation to persevere and play with the support of those around him and those closest to him.
“I was able to connect with the people I love the most and find my ‘why,’” Mahoney said. “I can work so hard because of the people that helped me overcome the toughest part of my life. I wouldn’t be anywhere without the love and support from those from my hometown and the community of San Luis Obispo.”